In the space of pursuing triathlons, the Olympic-grade triathlon can often be set as a baseline for most triathletes. The distances are longer than a sprint race but not so long that they are intimidating. This is a triathlon to compete in regularly, where achievement and progress can be measured. The three distances, a swim slightly less than a mile, a 24.8-mile bike ride, and a 6.2-mile run, can be tackled through competition to find a solid fitness baseline. An Olympic triathlon training plan will be the control tool to build up the triathlon skills and baseline.
This narrative will cover some aspects of strategizing and building a plan to achieve great improvement with this race.
An Overview of Olympic Triathlon Training Plans
Most sports will follow a program of some sort, even a messy one. The programing process is the difference between success and failure. In the case of a triathlon, an Olympic tri training program sets the basic standards for this race.
Establishing phases of training will be a telling feature of the program’s quality. If a program is missing a phase, it may work well for a novice athlete, but it will not really serve the athlete looking to bolster performance and achievement.
An Olympic distance triathlon training plan will also balance training between the three sport activities of the race. If the plan tends to favor only what the athlete prefers to train, the program or plan will lead to failure in the missed areas.
Facing an Optimal Triathlon Training Plan Truth
Now the focus will shift to designing an optimal Olympic tri training plan. In order for it to be optimal, you’ll need to have a candid conversation with yourself. You may be an athlete who has completed at least two Olympic-length triathlons, and you’ve carried out some form of a basic or rudimentary Olympic distance tri training plan.
In the course of several races that have been completed, the average triathlete will have to be brutally honest about which segment is met with under-performance. It could be a 10k (6.2 mile) run that is really lacking competitive finishes. Or, you might really have a lack luster swim. A key to tailoring a fantastic program will be dependent on this data.
Identifying the segment, or segments, that are weak will set the baseline for formulating and design the right Olympic distance triathlon training program
Designing the Right Training Plan for Performance
Now let’s jump to the point of this article. Building a control tool: the Olympic triathlon training plan.
If you are well seasoned, but still dull in your finishes, it may be time to try out a 12-week Olympic triathlon training plan. The short time will not allow for slacking of any kind, and you’ll have the pressure to correct those weaknesses you’ve identified.
We’ll stick to a 12-week schedule for this narrative. With any 12-week schedule for an endurance race, your first four weeks will serve as a work up phase. At this point, the training sessions should be performed at a relatively easy pace. Be sure to exercise care to note the areas you are weak in for preparation of the second phase.
The second phase of the training will be more intense. The six-week phase will be carried out with at least two activities for the first two weeks where the intensity of the training sessions is at least at a moderate level. A week area can now be given a bit more time to compensate for any deficiency. Swim a little more, bike a bit more, or log a few extra miles on foot to gauge where the weakness lies.
Transition to the second half of the six-week middle phase with a proper balance of easy and hard training sessions. Use easy sessions to correct form or impediments that have held back critical performance. It could be breathing correctly while you swim or finding the right stride on your bike. As you narrow down weakness, ramp up the corrections in the hard training sessions
Round out your triathlon training program with a proper taper period of about two weeks. This period of training should be easy to allow your body to recover. Also, factor in your form corrections to increase your probability of an increase in competitive performance.
Closing Out the “Olympic” Journey
Perseverance, grit, and guts. It may sound like a broken record, but that’s all it really takes to get going with your Olympic triathlon training plan. Repeat. Repeat. Once again, repeat. The repetitions lead to success in the field, and place some focus on monitoring your progress.
Adding to the corniness of this closure. Rome wasn’t built in a day. It can’t be expected that above par performance will be garnered in one day. Weeks at time applying the grit to your plan will build your mental fortitude. Each completed training day will strengthen your guts. With regular repeats, you’ll persevere.
Last up, if you are just starting, check out this post on a sprint triathlon training plan.
Disclaimer: This narrative is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or fitness advice. Please consult with a professional before beginning any training program.